President Obama's approval ratings go up in Arizona

Whatever he's doing, Arizonans are feeling a bit more charitable toward President Obama, according to a poll.

The Behavior Research Center poll of 700 Arizonans in April showed the president's job approval numbers jumped to 38 percent, up from 30 percent in January, even among Republicans.

Obama's negative scores declined from 49 percent in January to 40 percent in April, a net favorable shift of 17 points.

The poll indicated the improved numbers are mostly coming from Democrats, but also among Arizonans between age 35-54 and among men. The president also made gains among lower- and middle- income families.

Republicans' positive ratings for the president rose to 15 percent from only 8 in January. Independents were divided with 40 percent negative to 34 percent favorable.